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Campus is Fired Up and ready. Are you? See where you'll live, all your dining options and even explore student groups to join.

Check out these common questions about campus life.

    The East, South and Towers Housing Communities
    As a campus resident, you’ll be part of a housing community that brings together several different residence halls or apartments. Each housing community give you access to a residence hall director/residence director, a care advocate and an assistant director.

    Living Learning Communities
    Live in community with students who share your interests. Focusing on everything from music to engineering to public service and beyond, our living learning communities give you a built-in support system.

    Interest areas of LLC: Business, Education and Human Services, Health Professions, Honors, Leader Advancement, MAC Scholars, Public Service, Music, Science and Engineering.

    Glad you asked!

    Familiar eats on campus
    Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, Ponder, Idli Dosa Indian Restaurant, Shake Smart, Ignite Donuts, Slim Chickens, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Subway, Which Which and Build pizza by design.

    Buffet style or made-to-order options on campus
    Breakfast bars, pizza and pasta, grilled food, bowl recipes made to order (without wheat, gluten and the top 9 allergens), deli, salad bar, vegetarian and vegan selections and a dessert station.

    There are also around 100 restaurants in the Mount Pleasant area to try, not including fast food.

    For starters, student tickets to CMU's Division 1 athletic events are free. There are plenty of student organizations to join (300+), including club and intramural sports. You'll have access to the fitness center's pool, hot tub, sauna, weight room and much more.

    There are also around 500 events that take place locally every year, like concerts, festivals, farmers markets, art walks and more.

    Find your people

    Picture this: Around 300 student organizations, 45+ club sports and 30+ intramural sports. If you want to meet people with similar interests, you can find a registered student organization for that.

    search STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

    Make connections with CMU Greek life, build your network with pre-professional organizations or boot up with our eSports team! There is at least one organization for every area of study, plus ones for social justice, community service and leadership.

    Have an idea for a group that isn’t there? You can start one!

    Make a difference

    Getting involved is a part of your education. Being active in the CMU community is all about meeting new people, hearing their stories and learning how to work with others.

    Find new friends while making a positive impact through community service and volunteering. Spend time giving back to the Mount Pleasant community with the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center

    Want to help out somewhere else in the world? CMU is also a national leader in alternative breaks, giving you the chance to volunteer locally and globally.

    Find out how you can get involved and don't miss out on this huge part of #LifeAtCentral!

    Aerial photo of Towers Community at Central Michigan University.

    Housing

    There are 17 residence halls on campus. Something else that sets us apart – there are no community bathrooms in student housing at CMU. We get it.

    There are also 9 Living Learning Communities open to incoming freshmen who have specific interests – business, health, public service and more. Here, you can live where you learn and learn where you live. Competitive scholarship recipients will also be placed in the Honors Program Living Learning Community.

    EXPLORE LIVING ON CAMPUS

    Student at CMU Dining facility

    Dining

    Each residential community has a connected restaurant, so you’re never more than a quick stroll to your next meal. 

    Pull up a chair! Try our 3 residential dining restaurants. Want something specific? Other dining options across campus include Build Pizza, Freddie’s, Slim Chickens and Shake Smart. Looking for coffee? We have Starbucks, Ponder Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Need a snack on the go? Grab some fuel at one of our 2 markets on campus.

    Food is important to learning, and we believe no student should worry about their next meal. The CMU Student Food Pantry is there to help.

    See CMU Dining

    Summer Music Institute 2026: Session II

    Details:

    Summer Music Institute Registration now LIVE!

    The Summer Music Institute at the CMU School of Music is officially open for registration! This summer, we are excited to present two distinct sessions: one dedicated to individual instrumental instruction and another focused on orchestral pursuits.

    Session II: Orchestral

    Session II activities will take place from July 19th to July 23rd, 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in five days of immersive musical exploration, guided by our esteemed ensemble director, Dr. Keith Dodson, who serves as the Director of Orchestral Studies. This session promises an enriching experience that fosters the collaborative spirit of performing at a collegiate level, allowing students to connect with peers from diverse performance backgrounds and share their passion for music.


    Schedule

    July 19, 2026
    • 5:00 PM - Registration and Dorm Check-in
    • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Rehearsal
    July 20-22, 2026
    • 7:45 AM – Meet in Lobby of Dorms
    • 8:00 – 8:45 AM – Breakfast
    • 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Music Theory
    • 9:40 AM – 10:45 AM – Orchestra Rehearsal
    • 11:00 AM – 11:50 PM – Lunch
    • 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM – Sectionals on Orchestra Music - Upper Strings and Lower Strings
    • 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM – ELECTIVE HOUR (Students can choose but will need to stay in the same elective each day of camp)
      • Conducting Class with Dr. Dodson
      • Interpretation Class with Prof. Fist
      • Video Game Music with Dr. Souza
    • 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM – Technique Class - Upper Strings and Lower Strings
    • 3:00 – 4:15 PM – Orchestra Rehearsal with Dr. Dodson
    • 4:30 – 5:15 PM – Individual Practice Time (School of Music Practice Rooms) with Camp Counselors
    • 5:30 PM – 6:50 PM – Dinner
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM – Orchestra Rehearsal with Dr. Dodson
    • 8:15 PM – 9:00 PM – Camp Wide Activity with Camp Staff
    • 9:00 PM – Back in Room/Unwind
    July 23, 2026
    • 7:45 AM – Meet in Lobby of Dorms
    • 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM – Breakfast
    • 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM – Orchestra Rehearsal with Dr. Dodson
    • 11:00 – 11:50 AM – Lunch
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM – Check out of Dorms – Change for Concert
    • 2:00 PM - Final Concert (Staples Family Concert Hall) with Dr. Dodson 

    Questions?

    For any additional inquiries regarding the Summer Music Institute, please feel free to reach out to:

    Dr. Keith Dodson at dodso1k@cmich.edu or call 989-774-3433.

    Date: July 19 - July 23
    Time: All Day
    Sponsor: School of Music College of the Arts and Media
    Contact: Director of Orchestral Activities Dr. Keith Dodson dodso1k@cmich.edu 989-774-3433
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